The Shmuz

When we look at Pharaoh and his pagan beliefs, we usually write him off as primitive. The same goes for all idol worshippers. But surprisingly, they were tuned into spiritual secrets we modern folks tend to ignore. They just made one fatal error. Modern science isnt all that different. Scientists have uncovered some astounding facts of nature. But for all their sophistication, some of their belief...

Getting along with people is the single most important of all life skills. Good human relations are the key to running a successful business, having a loving marriage, and above all, to raising happy kids. Because people skills are so essential, this Shmuz offers something unique: a mini-course in social relations. With these basics under your belt, youll become more than just well-liked; youll be...

We are taught over and over again that HASHEM is merciful and kind. We are taught that many times more that a Mother loves her child, HASHEM loves everyone one of his creations. Yet when we look around the world we live in there are many features that just don't make sense. There is pain and suffering. There are hurricanes and tornadoes. There are diseases and ailments; there are orphans, widows a...

There's strength in numbers. Sports fans tap into it when they cheer on their favorite teams, and lehavdil, the Torah recognizes it by commanding men to daven with a minyan. But why should it be that way? Why did HASHEM create the world in such a way that a group can accomplish more than an individual? This Shmuz uncovers the intense power we tap into simply by connecting ourselves with the commun...

We hear a lot about the importance of good parenting techniques, and while these are essential to learn, it seems that there is more to being a great parent then being able to relate well to child. After all, there are many individuals who have good people skills yet make lousy parents. In this Shmuz we are introduced to the amazing concept that Sarah Imanu wasn't ready to be a parent to Yitzchak...

Everyone wants to grow. There isn't a person alive who doesn't want to grow; in fact this drive to grow is natural to the human. The problem is that we often find ourselves stuck. Even if we fully understand the gravity of our actions, even if we truly understand who it is that we can become-- it is difficult to change. Yet the Torah expects us to change, to grow, to become a better person. The qu...

When we speak about Love of HASHEM, we normally think of some sort of elusive, vague concept. Yet not only are we commanded to Love HASHEM, the Torah describes this as something that will be effective in preventing one from taking revenge. How is it possible for a regular person to actually love HASHEM, and feel that emotion so strongly that it will actually change his behaviour? See acast.com/pri...

When we speak about Love of HASHEM, we normally think of some sort of elusive, vague concept. Yet not only are we commanded to Love HASHEM, the Torah describes this as something that will be effective in preventing one from taking revenge. How is it possible for a regular person to actually love HASHEM, and feel that emotion so strongly that it will actually change his behaviour? See acast.com/pri...

Everyone has dreams. It's a healthy part of human nature. Our dreams give meaning to our lives, motivate us to get out of bed in the morning, and keep us going day in and day out. But there's a difference between dreaming of making mega-millions and dreaming of making a difference in the world. This Shmuz teaches us how to fine-tune our dreams so we can transform our lives from the ordinary to the...

Men and women are inherently different, in the way that they approach issues and concepts and ideas, and in the very way that they think, speak, behave and feel. Even more significantly socially, emotionally, psychologically men and women are worlds apart What they value, aspire for, and need is starkly differentIt is almost as if they are from different planets. Yet they are expected to live toge...

Shmuz Info Coming Soon.... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Shmuz Info Coming Soon... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Shmuz Info Coming Soon... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

Why is it so important not to be judgmental of others? How do you not judge other people's words, ideas and actions even when you don't agree with them? The trick is knowing when to be judgmental, and when to reserve it for later, and when to not judge at all. Every situation needs an independent evaluation. This ability is key in many areas in life especially in relationships.  See acast.com/priv...

Shmuz info coming soon.... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

We all want to live "the good life." Big homes, money in the bank, vacations, and luxury. The trouble is that these things never seem to satisfy. Anyone who spends his life acquiring them finds himself wanting more and more. Perhaps "the good life" isn't so good, after all. So what is "the good life?" It comes from living life in balance, from fulfilling your mission on this planet. By breaking do...

Shmuz Info Coming Soon... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. This podcast has been graciously sponsored by JewishPodcasts.fm. There is much overhead to maintain this service so please help us continue our goal of helping Jewish lecturers become podcasters and support us with a donation: https://thechesedfund.com/jewishpodcasts/donate

We've all have felt the pain of embarrassment, and we understand the seriousness that the Torah ascribes to not causing a friend pain-- Yet it seems that it happens anyway. Granted we don't intend it, but it happens anyway. In this Shmuz we are introduced to a new understanding of the gravity that the Torah ascribes to not embarrassing a fellow man, and the sensitivity we need to develop to anothe...

How can a different perspective of speech and my actions sometimes so drastically make a difference between success and failure. Tact is a careful consideration of the feelings and values of another so as to create harmonious relationships with a reduced potential for conflict or offense. It is a virtue. It is the ability to induce change or communicate critical and sometimes hurtful information w...

Since the time we began school the importance of Torah study has been something that weve learnt about and come to understand.  But at the end of the day, it seems to be hard to set up meaningful Sedarim that really last. Why is that? And, what can I do about it? In this Shmuz we are brought to see the value of Torah from the Torahs perspective, and given some practical, hands on, advice as to how...

The nisayon in the times of Chanukah was clear: fight for Torah or succumb to Greek culture. During the Spanish Expulsion, the nisayon was also clear: leave Spain as a Jew or convert and remain comfortable. What is the nisayon in our times? Our lives are no longer threatened. We enjoy tremendous wealth and freedom. What could be wrong? Make no mistake. Modern-day culture is insidiously breaking do...

Most of us are wimps. If you dont believe it, ask yourself what you do when faced with a choice between doing what you want and doing what you should. The nisyonos are different for everybody, but how many of us can claim to be masters over our desires? How many of us have real inner strength, real self-control? Just like a body builder develops his strength in small increments, we develop inner s...

HASHEM created man with an innate sense of morality and an inborn need to do what is right and proper. One of the difficulties of acting ethically is that in the slippery slope of life that sense of right and wrong becomes dulled. It seems that in the business world this is more clearly felt, where the lines between what is considered honest and moral, and what isn't, quickly get blurred. In the p...

Do you ever get the sense that there is always something going on -- If it's not one thing it's another. Just when you have finally gotten one area of your life under control, from out of nowhere a whole new issue, a whole new problem, or a whole new crisis pops up -- and now a completely different set of difficulties have to be dealt with. Why is this? Why can't life just be simple? Why can't HAS...

Chanukah centers on the ideological battle of two cultures: The hedonistic Yevanim (Greek / Syrian) Culture waging war against the Torah ideals -- the battle not being fought for the physical survival of the Jewish nation, but rather for its ideology and way of life. We, today, live in very different times. We are no longer downtrodden and subjugated to oppressive regimes -- we are free to choose...